Why learn to shoot on the move?

**NCPatrolAR** · 05-17-08, 15:25

Plus, we have to remember that there are some of us that work in occupations where we cant stop moving in order to take a shot.

**C4IGrant** · 05-17-08, 15:25

Originally Posted by Redhat

This has been bugging me for quite a while. I know some highly respected instructors (Paul Howe for one) do not spend a lot of time on this skill while other equally respected instructors do. Mr. Howes logic seems good to me.

My biggest questions are:

- Is it needed or not?

- What is the application?

Hope someone here will fill in the blanks for me.

Thanks

It is 100% needed and should be one of the most practiced skills there is.

The application is to keep from getting shot.

Simply put, it is MUCH easier to hit a target that is standing still than one that is moving.

Vickers talked to some Delta guys coming back from the sandbox and asked them what is the biggest thing they needed to work on and the reply was "SHOOTING ON THE MOVE!"

C4

**Redhat** · 05-17-08, 15:27

Don't know for sure but I don't think anyone espouses standing still while others take a shot at you.

**C4IGrant** · 05-17-08, 15:27

Originally Posted by Redhat

Okay lots of view points so what about shooting on the move vs moving then shooting and let's take it out of tac-team operations?

Yes you are a harder target when moving but won't you have to slow down to shoot with any accuracy? Doesn't that make you an easier target vs moving our rapidly to another position of cover?

With practice, one can make center mass hits all day long on the move.

Remember that the minute you stand still, you are making it 100% easier for someone to shoot you.

C4

**C4IGrant** · 05-17-08, 15:29

Originally Posted by Redhat

Don't know for sure but I don't think anyone espouses standing still while others take a shot at you.

Nor should they.

C4

**Redhat** · 05-17-08, 15:32

C4IGrant

Glad you agree...nor did I intend that idea to be projected by my original post.

**Redhat** · 05-17-08, 15:39

Rhino,

Thanks for the well thought out post. I'd be interested to know how the USPSA techniques hold up under Force-on-Force training...any info?

Thanks

**rhino** · 05-17-08, 15:45

Originally Posted by Redhat

Rhino,

Thanks for the well thought out post. I'd be interested to know how the USPSA techniques hold up under Force-on-Force training...any info?

Thanks

Dunno! USPSA shooting also requires (if you want to do well) shooting while moving in addition to learning to get set and shoot quickly upon arriving at a position. It would depend on the situation which you did when.

How well those skills would work in force-on-force or in genuine combat would depend on the respective skill levels (and luck) of the participants. However, I can't imagine how being able to shoot accurately while moving quickly or being able to shoot very quickly as you come to a stop then move again could hurt anything. In force-on-force or real life encounters, one has to remain cognizent of the threat, and can't focus fully on minimizing the time it takes to accomplish a specific task as one can in a shooting competition where no one is trying to harm you. However, if you program yourself with those skills to the best of your physical ability, you'll be able to execute them without deliberate consideration while you are addressing threats.

I'm not sure it's a viable option or valid assessment to randomly select a bunch of USPSA shooters and throw them into scenarios with people with many hours of force-on-force instruction and practice. However, I don't think that anyone who has feet in both worlds will deny the potential benefits.